By Jimmy Chazama
The judging panel for the Dolo Amavotera Chakwera Music Challenge on Monday lamented low female participation during the unveiling of 15 songs that have been nominated.
Speaking during a press conference in Lilongwe yesterday, one of the judges, Sophie Mponda, said they were disappointed that not many females took part in the competition.
“The songs have been carefully chosen, in terms of production and other important areas, but we would have loved to have equal numbers, in terms of having males and females,” Mponda said.
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She said there was massive talent in the country.
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“The four days of selection was a big deal. We were sleeping very late to make sure that we do a good job; a job without any irregularity,” Mponda said.
Other members of the judging panel included seasoned producer Tapps Bandawe.
Some of the artists who have made the 15-song selection include Foster Kaphala with ‘Dolo’, Robinson James with ‘Dolo Kwambiri’ and Emmanuel Harry with ‘Njee’.
The 15 selected songs have been given to the organisers for them to open up for public voting for five of the best songs.
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Spearheaded by Labour Minister Vitumbiko Mumba, those behind the five winning songs will walk away with K5 million each.
Mumba said he was impressed with the participation.
He said the competition was part of unearthing talent.
“Apart from the five songs which will win K5 million each, all those who have participated will receive a small prize at the end of the competition,” he said.
At least 190 songs were submitted for consideration in the competition
